Kindness is treated as a leadership skill here, not a soft extra. This university's leaders are hands-on and approachable, feedback flows openly in both directions, and people are trusted to bring their perspective to the table. Colleagues across campus work closely together and genuinely care about one another, and that shared sense of purpose shows up in how decisions get made. It is a close-knit community where good work is noticed and leaders invest in their people.
As Chief Financial Officer, you will sit on the President's senior leadership team and own the financial picture for the entire university. You will build the budgeting, forecasting, and reporting discipline that gives leadership and the Board of Trustees full confidence in the numbers, and lead the modernization of the institution's financial systems. It's a chance to shape a finance team, strengthen long-term financial sustainability, and leave a lasting mark on an institution you can grow with for years to come.
Role Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the President on financial planning, risk, and resource allocation.
- Strengthen the university's long-term financial sustainability and align resources with strategic priorities.
- Turn complex financial information into clear, practical insights for leaders and stakeholders across campus.
- Direct the budget and forecasting process, giving leadership a clear and current view of financial performance.
- Develop, maintain, and refine forecasting models, working with campus leaders on data inputs and model adjustments.
- Safeguard the accuracy and integrity of all financial information, including P&L and operating results.
- Communicate budget priorities, changes, and expectations to department leaders and the finance team.
- Prepare and present financial reports to the Board of Trustees.
- Staff and support several board committees, including finance, investment, and audit.
- Partner with the board's investment committee on oversight of the endowment and financial investments.
- Oversee the accounting, controller, and financial reporting functions.
- Lead the evaluation and upgrade of the financial management system and related software.
- Identify opportunities to use technology, including AI tools, to improve efficiency and reporting.
- Lead, develop, and support the finance team so staff feel engaged, informed, and included in key decisions.
- Model humane, direct communication that reflects genuine care for people.
- Take an active part in campus life.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline.
- 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing controller-level accounting.
- Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and reporting at the board level.
- Advanced Excel proficiency and hands-on experience implementing or upgrading financial systems.
- CPA designation preferred.
- Master's degree such as an MBA or MAcc preferred.
- Background in higher education or nonprofit finance, including endowment and investment oversight, preferred.
- Candidates open to relocating are encouraged to apply.
